Ryder's POV
Everything pissed me off and I took it out on the right people. I was done giving the thieves chances.
"Luca," I called, sitting in my office seat. He came forward. "Send a query to Mr. Charles, and Oliver. It's time they have an explanation for the missing money."
He nodded and typed on his phone. They were both business partners and elders of the pack. Greedy, and selfish to the end.
I had rejected their advances of marrying their daughter and they still dared to steal as board members from the company.
"It's been done, sir," Luca said.
"Fix a meeting immediately. I want all the board members and executives present."
"Yes, sir."
I got up and headed for the meeting room. Luca walked behind. I checked my watch, and sat down, waiting patiently.
They arrived, and everyone was seated. Once the human executives spoke. "Why make a quick meeting?"
"Can't I?" I responded.
Everyone was quiet. Then I tapped my finger on the table. "Some of the company's funds have been missing. Would any of you like to explain that?"
"Mr. Ryder. You can't possibly expect us to know everything. That's the finance department section," Mr. Oliver spoke.
He was just the prey I was after. I guessed he hadn't read his mail yet.
"Is it?" I began. Then clicked my fingers. The screen lit up and showed the cash flow margins with the cash register.
"Since we're talking about the finance department, which is your line," I said, looking at Oliver. "Do you care to explain how ten million dollars of the company's funds went to your account and Mr. Charles'?"
He froze. Everyone started murmuring. "Are you accusing me of stealing?"
I clicked my fingers again, and the screen lit up with their bank statements. "Do you think it's that simple to steal from me?"
The sweat on his forehead doubled. "Mr. Ryder, I didn't mean to do it." He pointed at Charles. "It was his idea. I had nothing to do with it."
"Don't you dare throw hands at me. I didn't know anything about this!" Charles retorted.
I watched them yell at each other. Then I passed my judgment. "You both will explain that to the police."
The door opened and a group of police officers walked in. Charles tried to run but was tackled to the floor. Oliver remained still, bargaining.
Half the police men were wolves like some of us. We mingled perfectly with the humans.
"Luca, have them removed from the elder's position and their assets seized," I said and Luca nodded.
The rest of the elders were terrified. "Let's continue," I said and the screen changed into a new business update.
Luca walked up to the screen, explaining the new market flow and business strategy.
~
I returned home, taking off my jacket, and heard Draven walk into my room.
"The door is meant to be knocked on," I cautioned.
"You're still a grumpy old man," he responded.
"Why are you where?"
"To see you," he said calmly.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Get out."
"Can you not be so cold for once?" He complained.
"You have nothing important to say and I don't want to hear anything from your lips."
"Ouch," he feigned hurt. "About Elodie …"
I froze for a second, then acted quickly, tossing my jacket into the laundry.
"Did you just freeze?"
"No," I said. He couldn't have caught me.
"I saw you…"
I interrupted him before he could breathe another annoying word from his lips. "What do you want?"
"I think I like her," he said. If he was trying to piss me off, then he was doing a hell of a fine job at it.
I turned, walked over to him with a cold glare. "I told you. She's off limits."
"Why?" He asked. For someone three years younger. He was great at pissing me off.
"Because I said so."
"So you like her?" He asked, surprising me.
I was lost for a second, not knowing what to answer but I recovered. "I don't hate her."
"That's not what I asked," He said, calmly.
"Be specific."
"Do you have feelings for her?" He asked. My heart skipped a beat.
"No," I said.
He looked at me then clocked his tongue. "So, I can go for it."
"She's not an object. And no," I said, already tired of talking to him.
"But you just said…"
I was faster. "I know what I said, leave her alone."
"She's not marked," he argued.
"Not yet," I warned.
"Isn't that a good thing? I could be with her. I think I found the one…"
"If you so much as breathe near her Draven, you'll be wishing you were dead. I don't care if we're from the same parents. Don't touch what's mine."
Wait…what did I just say? Crap, I couldn't take it back.
"Yours? You finally confessed." He said, raising his eyebrow and then he smiled wickedly.
I breathed calmly, trying my best not to lose it. Bringing him back here was a bad idea.
"Why haven't you marked her?" He asked.
"It's none of your business. Just stay away from her."
"And if I don't?" He asked.
I didn't hesitate. I grabbed his collar, squeezing tightly that his face turned red. He held my hand, trying to get my hands off him but I didn't budge. "Would you like me to show you what I would do to you?" I asked, my voice going wickedly low.
"Ryder," he breathed. "You're choking me."
I let go and he stepped back, rubbing his neck gently. "Geez. You could have killed me."
"I'm still thinking about it."
His eyes shot up and he stepped back. "You do realize I'm your brother, right?"
I shook my head gently to the side a bit and shrugged. "Yes. And I'm tired of your teasing. Don't push me again."
"Hmph," he mumbled and walked out. His footsteps receded and I smiled. I would never hurt him but that should scare him off a bit.
Loosening my tie, I had one thought. How do I talk to her without pissing her off?
I picked up my phone and called Luca. He picked. "What sort of present would a lady like?"
He gasped. "Are you into someone, sir?"
"Answer the damn question!" I spat.